Endangered Species Act (ESA) - The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended: Federal legislation intended to provide a means whereby the ecosystems upon which endangered and threatened species depend may be conserved, and provided programs for the conservation of those species, thus preventing extinction of native plants and animals.

Fish Passage - Ability for fish to move unimpeded up and down the river system.

General Conservation Plan (GCP) - A broader conservation plan focused on conservation activities which provide access to fragmented aquatic habitat for GOM DPS Atlantic salmon; in order to enhance recovery efforts. In addition, address incidental take of Atlantic salmon occurring at non-federally permitted small dams.

Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) - Planning documents required as part of an application for an the Incidental Take Permit. HCP's are intended to reduce conflicts between endangered species and economic development, provide a framework that encourages cooperation and partnerships between the public and private sectors while implementing conservation measures designed to benefit natural resources.

Incidental Take - An Incidental Take results from, but is not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity.

Incidental Take Permit Process - The ESA authorizes permits to be issued to "take" listed wildlife species incidental to otherwise legal activities, provided that permit holders have developed HCP's that meet criteria to "minimize and mitigate" impacts of the taking that may result.

Smolts - Smolts are juvenile Atlantic salmon that migrate downstream in rivers to reach the ocean.

Take - A "take" is defined under the ESA as "to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct."